Kemi Badenoch has been elected as the new Conservative Party leader, succeeding Rishi Sunak after the party’s significant loss in the July general election. This leadership election was close, with Badenoch receiving 53,806 votes over her opponent Robert Jenrick's 41,388, marking one of the closest Conservative leadership contests on record.
In her victory speech, Badenoch acknowledged past party mistakes and emphasized the need for a "reset" to renew the Conservative Party’s principles and standards. She now faces the challenge of uniting the party and guiding it through its years in opposition until the next general election, expected in 2029.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged her victory, noting the historic significance of her becoming the first Black leader of a Westminster party. Badenoch, known for her outspoken views, particularly on social and regulatory issues, will likely continue to be a prominent and controversial figure in British politics as she seeks to position her party against the ruling Labour government.